“Our bodies are our gardens, our wills are our gardeners.” (William Shakespeare)

We consulted with Ashleigh Taylor, our resident hair guru, on tips for Winter hair. She equates the care of hair to caring for a plant, with the attention to moisture and temperature being most important. Key issues include:

·      Lack of humidity

·      Extreme temperature changes

·      Man-made heat that is drying (heaters, car heaters, etc.)

·      Use of scarves and hats that extract moisture like wool, cotton and synthetic fabrics

·      Changes in body temperature (i.e. going from heated spaces to outside in the cold and then back again)

To address the impacts to moisture, Ashleigh recommends the following, some of which can be done at home:

·      Oil treatments can be done at home by first washing the hair once to remove build-up, then towel dry and dousing the hair with extra virgin olive oil, covering with a shower cap and letting the hair sit with the cap on for 30 minutes or 15 minutes under a hooded hair dryer and then shampooing to remove the excess oil and condition.  This process can be done every 3 weeks.

·      For an irritated and flaky scalp, Ashleigh’s other home remedies include:

o   Applying a clay mask, such as Aztec clay, to the scalp and let harden and then rinse

o   Lavender and peppermint oils can be used by applying on the scalp to alleviate an itchy and irritated scalp

·      For salon moisture enriching and strengthening treatments, Ashleigh offers the following to clients:

o   Protein treatments to restore the bonds of hair and strengthen hair for a healthy foundation can be done every 6 to 8 weeks

o   The Milbone treatment for intense moisture, which is a 5-step process can also be done every 6 to 8 weeks

We need our hats and scarves to stay warm but choosing the right hats and scarves is key to keeping our hair healthy during Winter. Ashleigh schooled us on the do’s and don’ts.

·      Do’s

o   Either wear a silk scarf under your Winter hat to keep hair moisturized or purchase a silk or satin lined hat. Ashleigh and September Set recommend http://www.graceeleyae.com

o   Wear a 100% cashmere hat to prevent hair breakage

o   Wear a 100% cashmere scarf to prevent hair breakage around the nape of the neck

·      Don’ts

o   Wear wool or synthetic fabric hats without a silk scarf underneath

o   Wear wool or synthetic fabric scarfs (if hair isn’t in an up do or protected by silk or satin hat/scarf)

If Winter travel is in the forecast, keep in mind your hair is impacted by changes in climate, i.e. traveling from 30-degree weather to 80-90 degree weather will impact your hair. Here are some tips from Ashleigh while traveling:

o   Invest in a moisturizing and hydrating shampoo

o   Invest in a good hair mask to leave on while traveling to a warmer climate

o   Sunscreen is not just for the skin! Apply to hair to protect from the sun in a warm climate. For lighter toned hair, use an SPF that contains iodine.

o    For her clients, Ashleigh will create a treatment routine for color treated hair while traveling. Ask your stylist to customize a routine for you too!

Lastly but never least, internal care (i.e. eating right) is always key to a healthy and moisturized head of hair. Drinking lots of water is at the top of the list as well as eating a healthy, balanced diet, including sufficient vitamins, to make your hair healthy from the inside out.

 As Ashleigh says, “Moisture, moisture, moisture!” We wish you a Winter full of great hair